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Political background

Between the years of 1929 and 1991 Slovenia was part of the state of Yugoslavia, including during the second world war when the Slovenians battled against the Nazis who were occupying Yugoslavia. Throughout the 1980s, Slovenia made moves towards independence, as its society started to embrace new ways of thinking in cultural, economic and civic terms. It introduced a multi-party system and elected a non-Communist government in 1990. In 1991 Slovenia became independent. There was little violence involved in the 10-day war that followed with Yugoslavia.

Independent state

Slovenia was recognised by the European Community as being an independent nation in 1992. It accordingly began to move towards a western-style of economy and society, culminating with its membership of the EU in March 2004 and of NATO in May 2004. Also in 2004, the 12 years that Slovenia spent under the Liberal Democratic Party came to an end and the centre-right Slovenian Democrats came into power under Janez Jansa. In January 2007, Slovenia adopted the euro currency.

International role

Despite its small size, Slovenia today is a stable democracy that plays a significant role in the international arena. Its troops are serving in NATO, EU and UN operations abroad in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. It is a charter member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and is a major source of investment into the former Yugoslavia. It is also a member of other major international financial organisations, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

Political stability

Slovenia has been an independent state for less than 20 years, yet it already enjoys a reputation as a stable and successful country. Its multi-party democratic system is stable and elections are held regularly. The country has a strong human rights record and a free press. Its role in the EU is also stable, and it will be holding the EU’s rotating presidency in 2008. It is the first of the 10 members who joined the EU in 2004 to take this role.

Encouraging foreign investment

As one might expect from a government that has maintained its modern and forward-thinking approach during its short life as an independent state, Slovenia encourages investment into real estate among young Slovenians (taking measures to incentivise property purchase) as well as encouraging foreign investment. The purchase process was reformed when Slovenia became a member of the EU, and EU nationals became able to freely purchase in the country. Slovenia was unusual in that it did not implement restrictions on EU nationals purchasing Slovenian property during its first few years of membership.

Related items

Documents and Reports

	Slovenia property investment report (427Kb)
Documents and Reports

Other related pages

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